Partnership puts vehicle engineers on road to improved productivity

22/04/05

Partnership puts vehicle engineers on road to improved productivity

The University has linked up with one of the largest technological institutions in Iran to launch a joint Master in Automotive Engineering. The programme, run in conjunction with K.N. Toosi University in Tehran, will enable Iranian vehicle engineers to master advanced skills including design, manufacture and management. Twenty students are about to begin introductory modules in the Iranian capital before arriving at Kingston later this year.

Deputy Head of the School of Engineering Dr Akbar Aboutorabi said Iran was keen to access the latest technology and design methods. “More than half the country’s population is under the age of 25 and Iranian students have a real thirst for knowledge,” he said. “The course will help automotive engineers develop the skills to take advantage of new and emerging technologies.” Students would be able to specialise in automotive aerodynamics and electronics, component design or management and quality control, course director Denis Marchant said. They would prepare research proposals with tutors at K.N. Toosi before their arrival at Kingston.

Iran’s Centre of Industrial Research and Development is providing scholarships for students completing the programme. The course, which is endorsed by the British Council, is also being funded by leading motor manufacturers Iran Khodro and Saipa. “Both companies are very keen for automotive engineers to be educated to a higher level,” Mr Marchant said. “They recognise that Kingston’s partnership with K.N. Toosi has the potential to have a major impact on the future of vehicle production in their country.”

Iranian academics have visited the Roehampton Vale campus to inspect the facilities their students will be using. K.N. Toosi Chancellor Dr Ali Khaki-Sedigh was impressed with what he observed. “By combining our expertise with Kingston’s School of Engineering, I am confident our students will benefit from the type of advanced training that is so necessary for Iran’s motor industry,” he said.